Daily TribuneDespite his celebrity status, Xian Lim found that the classroom leveled the playing field. No one was ever starstruck when they were groupmates. This environment became one of the things he was most thankful for about the institution.
Xian Lim during the commencement exercises.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF XIAN LIM
The presenter answers clarifications before a panel.
The celebrity with mom Mary Anne and grandma Leonida.
Xian Lim’s journey has never been confined to one singular path. An actor, director, filmmaker, musician, entrepreneur, pilot — and today, a fresh college graduate — he is constantly knee-deep in a new pursuit in life.
“I’ve always been someone who spends a lot of time imagining possibilities and looking ahead,” he said. “Whether it’s directing a film, pursuing a new career path, starting a business, or taking on a new hobby, I enjoy visualizing what could be and then working toward it,” he revealed in an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE.
His mindset eventually brought him back to an unaccomplished goal: to complete a college degree. He initially pursued this dream back in California until he moved to the Philippines to first become a varsity basketball scholar, which eventually got halted due to his showbiz career boom.
Xian recently graduated from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde with an AB Music Production degree through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). He learned about the program as he acquired his pilot license from Topflite Academy.
The Music Production program offered the next level: a deeper understanding of how music works behind the scenes.
“As someone who has been involved in creative work, whether through acting, filmmaking, storytelling, or songwriting, I wanted to better understand the process behind creating music,” he discussed.
Beyond songwriting, he wanted to learn how compositions are arranged, recorded, produced and ultimately used to share stories and connect with audiences.
Throughout his time at Benilde, one lesson remained with him: the importance of taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary.
As a student, a usual day on campus started early at the Design and Arts Building. He appreciated quiet moments before class, as he mentally prepared and reviewed previous notes. After lessons, he often lingered by a favorite window spot while he processed what he had learned… and reflected on life.
In typical Filipino fashion, no school day would be complete without the ever-present baon. His mother often prepared packed meals composed of boiled chicken, eggs and saba, which he would eat in his car after classes.
Despite his celebrity status, Xian found that the classroom leveled the playing field — no one was ever starstruck when they were groupmates.
“My classmates simply saw me as another student trying to learn and complete the program like everyone else,” he disclosed.
A particularly meaningful accomplishment was his final validation project, which allowed him to score his own film and compose three original songs. One of these was written for a children’s television show concept, which allowed him to merge imagination, storytelling and music into a single undertaking.
Outside the world of academics, Xian remains as active as ever. Basketball is his first love — it taught him discipline, teamwork and perseverance. More recently, he has developed a passion for lead climbing and bouldering. He likewise enjoys riding motorcycles, taking sailing lessons and flying across the skies. One of his newest dreams is to own a sailboat and travel the world.
“Life is about continuing to discover what’s possible,” he ended.
We recently sat down with the fresh graduate and heard more of his thoughts:
On his feelings about graduation
“I feel grateful. For many years, finishing college was something that remained unfinished in my life. It was a goal that stayed in the back of my mind, something I always hoped I would return to someday. Now that I’m here, there’s a sense of fulfillment and peace. It’s as if a chapter that was left incomplete has finally come full circle.”
On challenges
“Time was definitely one of the biggest challenges. Among work commitments, business ventures, flight training and school requirements, there were many moments when it felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day. Another challenge was returning to the classroom after so many years. The last time I was in school was when I was taking up my Psychology Major at Skyline College in San Bruno, California, back in early 2009. Walking back into an academic environment after nearly two decades was intimidating at first.
“But I realized if something is important enough, you make time for it. Going back to school required focus, discipline and sacrifice. There were moments when I had to choose studying over comfort. But every challenge reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.”
On balancing studies and other commitments
“It comes down to priorities and time management. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. The challenge is deciding what matters most and being willing to make sacrifices for it.”
On future projects
“Whether it’s filmmaking, music, business, flying, climbing, sailing, or whatever new adventure comes next, I’m excited to keep learning and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. I believe we’re all here for a reason, and part of life’s journey is discovering what that reason might be. For now, I’m simply committed to staying curious, embracing opportunities and becoming the best version of myself each day.”
